Inter Miami’s Defensive Woes Continue as Jordi Alba and Others Sidelined
Inter Miami’s defensive struggles are set to continue as the team prepares to host the Columbus Crew on Saturday night, with several key players missing through injury. According to the MLS Player Status Report for Matchday 17, Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Lujan, and Yannick Bright are all out with hamstring issues. This is a significant blow to the team, as the trio has combined for 41 MLS appearances and 35 starts.
Alba, one of Lionel Messi’s former FC Barcelona teammates, has only missed two MLS games this season, and his absence will be felt by the team. The fullback’s hamstring issue is a concern, especially with the team’s upcoming fixtures. As MLS Multiplex reports, Alba’s injury comes after several weeks of struggles for Miami’s rearguard.
The team’s defensive woes have been evident in recent weeks, with Miami conceding multiple goals in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, and 25 goals in total. This has resulted in a stretch with only two victories and a slide down to sixth place in the Eastern Conference table. As the MLS Multiplex notes, this is a concerning trend for the team, especially with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup looming.
The Club World Cup is a significant competition for Inter Miami, and they will be eager to make a good impression. However, their preparations have been hindered by injuries, and they will be without several key players for their match against the Columbus Crew. As the publication reports, Miami’s final competitive fixture before the Club World Cup is against the Crew, and they will be looking to climb back up the Eastern Conference standings.
The Columbus Crew, who are two places above Miami in the table, will be looking to cause an upset and gain revenge for their previous loss to Miami. The Crew lost 1-0 in a match held at Cleveland’s NFL stadium back on April 19, and they will be eager to make amends. As MLS Multiplex notes, the Crew outshot the Herons 19-7 and created 2.9 expected goals in their previous encounter, and they will be looking to build on that performance.
In conclusion, Inter Miami’s defensive injuries are a significant concern for the team, especially with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup looming. The team’s recent struggles have been evident, and they will be looking to turn their form around against the Columbus Crew. As reported by MLS Multiplex, the match against the Crew is a crucial one for Miami, and they will be eager to make a positive impact.
The upcoming match against the Columbus Crew is a significant one for Inter Miami, and they will be looking to make a statement. With several key players missing through injury, the team will need to dig deep and find a way to secure a positive result. As the publication notes, the team’s performance in the Club World Cup will be a significant test of their abilities, and they will be looking to make a good impression.
